My family is contemplating a work-related view to Switzerland. Since one of our children is adopted, we would like to know how Swiss society views adopted children before we make a decision. Are the Swiss accepting of adopted children or are they considered "second-class" and discriminated against. Coming from North America this has never been a problem but our European friends seem to think we might encounter a lot of unpleasantness if we move.

Thanks in advance!

There is a very nice african girl in our neighborhood who is clearly adopted and has the best smile I have seen on a kid here (apart from my own kids ).

She is very well integrated and accepted by all the kids.

Not sure if reassurance is what you´re after or some statistics...

You'll meet all sorts here. Similar to any country .. Everyone gets treated second class so its kind of fair I would imagine it will be easier for kids to integrate than Parents as they will learn the local lingo quicker. I would be interested to know why you think adoption would influence the swiss option ?

i know quite a few kids who are obviously adopted and at least in these parts it seems pretty normal and accepted

It's exactly the same here. It makes no difference whatsoever whether the kids are adopted or not.
My son has a friend who is very dark skinned ( he's from and African country but can't remember which one) and his sister is Chinese. The (Swiss) parents are both white so it's pretty obvious that they're adopted but it has never been an issue as far as I've seen.

I know some adopted children, no problem at all regarding society imho. I don't see how can they can be discriminated against btw, it's not written on the forehead.

Swiss care more about children...:
- learning the local language (and dialect)
- looking "neat" and not neglected
- being friendly to people
- being good at school
- generally not being perceived as a trouble-maker

I have no kids, so this is just an observation from distance.

But most the the players of the soccer national team don't exactly look "Swiss" - but nobody really cares, as long as they play good and win.
Knowing the text of the national anthem is definitely a plus, though....

If that is what your European friends are telling you, then you should not be relying on their advice, if on the other hand this is not your true question, then you are doing them a disservice.

Depending on ethnicity and perception, racism might or might not be perceived (as in all places). There are a lot of threads and opinions on this here (use the search function to find out more). But this is independent from adoption.

I don't think anybody would have any issue with adoption itself.


What are "European friends"? Europe is very diverse. If they have not lived in Switzerland for a while, their opinion is essentially worthless and either based on hearsay or prejudice.

I have an adopted child of another race/ethnicity and she was very well received in CH. We plan to move back in a few monthes and if I felt it was to her disadvantage I would certainly not consider the move.
I really feel integration is for the most part dependent on custom and demeanor. The local individuals we came across were incredibly kind and welcoming toward our daughter.

they're certainly into it in Ticino and Italy, seems to often be Asian kids. It's cute and nobody judges.

Your European friend, have they been in the US for a long time?

Been in CH for 6 years. Locals are more leaning toward having a problem with someone who looks different than they do, however, it seems they may be more lenient towards children with regards to this. They may have a hard time in school though. I have a friend from India and her daughter has a hard time in school getting picked on because she is different & she's just the sweetest thing.

Your adopted child will probably have fewer problems than you, as an American. Things just don't work the same here. For example, it can take years before your neighbors call you by your first name.

On the bright side, you've got English Forum, which can answer most of your questions and give you amazing support whilst you integrate.

Best of luck.